The lively atmosphere in the hall abruptly faltered.
Everyone knew that the Prince of Badong was eccentric and mercurial. Seeing his expression suddenly change, no one dared speak again, though they had no idea what Wang Yang had done to offend him.
Those on friendly terms with Wang Yang, including Xie Xinghan and Le Zhan, could not help worrying for him.
Wang Yang had ample experience of the Prince of Badong's talent for "changing faces." After these two encounters, however, he had begun to get a feel for the prince's temperament. Unhurried and unruffled, he said:
"If Your Highness dislikes it, then simply take it as the yan in 'thick-skinned shamelessness.' But that won't do either. How can the surname of Sage Confucius's foremost disciple appear in such a vile expression? Out of respect, that phrase must be changed. And 'bending one's face and knees like a servant' and 'standing shameless before heaven and earth' are even more rebellious expressions that disrespect the sages! They should all be banned!"
Everyone was startled to hear Wang Yang take a veiled jab at the Prince of Badong to his face!
Xie Xinghan's delicate brows knitted tightly, worry showing on her face.
Since getting to know Wang Yang, she had come to understand how he balanced the round with the square in his dealings. When he was accommodating, he scarcely showed a temper: deft on every side, finding favor wherever he turned, he could produce cartloads of gentle words. When he was unyielding, his edges stood sharp and his words cut keenly. Whether facing a duke's son or a celebrated Confucian scholar, he pressed fearlessly forward and stood resolute against them, making others think twice before insulting him.
Yet she had never imagined he would dare openly contradict the Prince of Badong on